Three death row inmates are suing the Louisiana Department of Corrections, the Corrections Secretary and two prison wardens over what they call the “appalling and extreme” heat on the death row of the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola. The suit contends that authorities have not met the requirement to treat death row inmates humanely.

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Billed by manufacturers as a humane tool for immobilizing inmates, detainees or patients, who are a danger to themselves and others, the reality of the restraining chair may be, simply put, that it is a great way to hold someone still so you can abuse, torture, or simply ignore them. A look at some controversial cases of improper use, misuse and abuse of what is being called the ‘Devil’s Chair.’

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Looking for love in all the wrong places? Crime Library profiles the standout members of the lockup lonely hearts club.

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In early January five Idaho prison inmates brought suit against several beer and alcohol makers claiming that they are addicted to alcohol, and that had beer and alcohol containers been properly labeled with an addiction warning, they would not have committed the crimes that got them tossed into prison in the first place.

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When jail authorities believe an inmate is a danger to him or herself, the inmate is placed on suicide watch. Clothing that could be used as a noose is replaced with a paper smock, and guards frequently check in on the inmate. Despite these precautions, inmates intent on ending their lives often manage to succeed.

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Jailers in American Samoa were arrested this week after investigators discovered that they were sending inmates out unsupervised to a local store.

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